I found that while the guide is focused on dining, the advice, tools and tips on budgeting and planning—including choosing resorts and vacation package types—will help the reader plan his or her entire Walt Disney World vacation.

We had a great time sailing on the Disney Dream and doing a thorough Dine Around in January 2011. During that sailing, DFB researched (um, okay, ate) our way through the bountiful offerings on this all-you-can-eat cruise.

Disney’s next cruise ship, the Fantasy, is set to sail its maiden voyage in March of 2012. The 2,500 passenger ship will be identical in size and layout to the Disney Dream, although the two will not be exactly the same. Let’s review the venues for food and beverages on the Fantasy!

Main Dining

On board the Disney Fantasy guests will have many options when it comes to dining. They can of course choose to follow the rotational dining schedule that is set before departure, or opt out on certain nights to enjoy restaurants like Cabanas, Palo, and Remy.

The main dining options on the Disney Fantasy will be similar to those offered on the Disney Dream; the main changes will include a new show that will be offered at Animator’s Palate, a entirely new them for the adults-only district on the ship, and design changes for some of the other restaurants.

Animator’s Palate
Animator’s Palate is one of the main dining experiences on all three existing Disney ships, and the Fantasy will be no exception. However on the Fantasy, guests will experience the all new “Animation Magic” show starring none other than Mickey Mouse.

Animator's Palate

Diners will be treated to a truly magical experience led by Sorcerer Mickey. Watch as the characters on the wall move from black and white to color, and experience the Beauty and the Beast classic “Be Our Guest” in a whole new [Read more…]

Welcome guest author Vikki Hurley-Schubert with a review of brunch at Palo on the Disney Wonder (Alaska Style)!

Vikki and her husband with friends!

Brunch at Palo is a must-do for us when onboard any one of the Disney Cruise Line ships. So, we were excited for our brunch while aboard the inaugural Alaskan cruise earlier this month and delighted in every morsel we tasted.

The highlight of the meal for me was the strawberry soup – I must confess, I did have two – one during brunch and one for dessert! It was a fragrant, rich, bright strawberry flavor and a rich magenta color with a minty background. It wasn’t too creamy or watery either – it tasted like fresh picked strawberries!

Strawberry Soup

Before our entrees arrived, we hit the tables of seafood, cheeses and fruit. The shrimp were cooked perfectly as were the crab legs. My husband loved the salmon, salmon mousse and cheeses. The asparagus wrapped in prosciutto were [Read more…]

Boston Magazine ran an anonymous article in May where the town that made him famous…well…breaks up with Todd English, the celebrity chef who has his name on the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin’s bluezoo restaurant. The New York Times answered with a full profile of the chef.

Kim L. is our Disney cruise guru around here! (Seriously. She knows EVERYTHING about cruising and was even the Disney World Moms Panel Cruise Specialist her second term on the panel.) She’s put together her top 10 tips to get the most out of your Disney Cruise dining experience, but we want to hear your tips as well, pretty please. Will you add yours in the comments section below?

1. Order The Cake of the Day: Order the Cake of the Day from Room Service! Room service is complimentary (although a gratuity is appreciated) and it’s fun to sample (um, okay, devour ;-)) different cake slices.

Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake at Animator's Palate

2. Skip Shore Excursion Eats: Use Room Service for a quick sandwich while getting ready for your shore excursion. Then time your return to the ship to coincide with your next meal.

3. Find Hidden Treats: Ask your server to start each meal with a cheese (similar to All Hands On Deck) or seafood platter (I saw shrimp served in the Mediterranean) for the entire table to enjoy. It’s not on the menu. Parents can request cheese, grapes, and crackers for the kids. Just ask if it’s available during your voyage!

Likewise, chocolate covered strawberries are not on the dessert menu but are sometimes available by special request. Ask for a [Read more…]